Ink jet recording method and apparatus

Abstract

An ink jet recording method using a number of ejection outlets for ejecting ink includes grouping a number of ejection outlets into a plurality of groups such that ejection regions are partly overlapped; and supplying driving signals in such an order that ejection regions of groups of ejection outlets are partly overlapped.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An ink jet recording method using a number of ejection outlets for ejecting ink, arranged in a line, said method comprising the steps of: grouping a number of ejection outlets into a plurality of groups in which the ejection outlets eject the ink substantially simultaneously, wherein ejection outlets in each group of the plurality of groups define an area containing all of the ejection outlets in a respective group, and respective areas of adjacent groups of the plurality of groups partially overlap, and respective areas of non-adjacent groups of the plurality of groups do not overlap; and   supplying driving signals in such an order that ejection outlets in adjacent groups are driven such that adjacent groups sequentially eject ink and corresponding areas of the adjacent groups overlap.   
     
     
       2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the group consists of even number or odd number ejection outlets. 
     
     
       3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said driving signals each comprises a plurality of pulses. 
     
     
       4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the driving signals each comprises a single pulse. 
     
     
       5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the ink is ejected by thermal energy. 
     
     
       6. An ink jet recording apparatus for effecting recording by ejecting ink through a number of ejection outlets, arranged in a line, comprising: a plurality of groups of ejection outlets which eject ink substantially simultaneously, wherein ejection outlets in each group of the plurality of groups define an area containing all of the ejection outlets in a respective group, and respective areas of adjacent groups partially overlap, and respective areas of non-adjacent groups of the plurality of groups do not overlap; and   signal supplying means for supplying driving signals in such an order that ejection outlets in adjacent groups are driven such that adjacent groups sequentially eject ink and corresponding areas of the adjacent groups overlap.   
     
     
       7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the group consists of even number or odd number ejection outlets. 
     
     
       8. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said driving signals each comprises a plurality of pulses. 
     
     
       9. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the driving signals each comprises a single pulse. 
     
     
       10. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the ink is ejected by thermal energy. 
     
     
       11. An apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a carriage for mounting a recording head having said ejection outlets. 
     
     
       12. An apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising feeding means for feeding a recording material, on which recording is effected by said ejection outlets. 
     
     
       13. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said recording apparatus is a copying machine. 
     
     
       14. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said apparatus is a facsimile machine. 
     
     
       15. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said recording apparatus is a terminal of a computer.